Skip to main content

This job has expired

Executive Director of Children’s Services

Employer
North Northamptonshire Council
Location
Northamptonshire
Salary
£130k - £140k
Closing date
28 Jan 2022

A unique opportunity to shape a new authority for our communities.

We may be a new unitary authority, but we have bold ambitions. Formed in April 2021, we have a unique opportunity to do things differently and create an exciting future for our local communities. We are committed to tackling inequality in all its forms and levelling up our communities to ensure everyone, regardless of background, can thrive and reach their full potential.

We’ve made great progress on creating a modern, forward-thinking council, with a strong network of senior leaders and a “one team” approach to overcome our challenges and seize opportunities. We also have a brand-new Corporate Plan for 2021-2025 and are excited about the next chapter of our journey.

About the role

We have taken the decision to disaggregate the joint Director of Children’s Services role across North and West Northamptonshire Councils. This will help to increase North Northamptonshire’s senior management capacity to drive change and accelerate our improvement journey in Children’s Services, from Inadequate to Outstanding. Reporting to the Chief Executive, you will be the statutory DCS, responsible for all Education services. Whilst schools are generally performing well, improvements are needed, and, like authorities across the country, we have budget challenges and pressures on SEND services. You will also be the client lead for the Children’s Trust, ensuring the effective delivery of Children’s social care services across North Northamptonshire, whilst working closely with your counterpart for the West and as part of the new Integrated Care System.

From our members to our front-line workers, we are completely committed to improving education outcomes as well as transforming our children’s social care services, to improve outcomes for our children and young people. This role is a fantastic opportunity to be a part of this journey and make a lasting impact.

As part of our “one team” approach, you will work across the whole Council whilst ensuring there is relentless focus on improving outcomes for our children and young people. To achieve this, you will work closely with children and their families, Members, the Children’s Trust and our Children’s Commissioner. You will also work in true collaboration with a range of partners, including health, schools, police, DfE, Ofsted, and the third sector to create a system-led approach to improvement.

The creation of this role provides a fantastic opportunity for someone to truly embed themselves in the wider corporate agenda, working closely with colleagues from Health to Housing.  It’s an opportunity to join a Council at the start of its journey, which has children’s interests at its very core. An opportunity to do trailblazing work that makes a real difference to people’s lives.  

About you

We are looking for an exceptional leader for Children’s Services who will play a crucial role in leading and shaping our new Council to be outcome-focussed, break down silos and create an empowered culture and learning environment for our workforce. 

You’ll have a proven track record of delivering successful Children’s Services in a complex environment, as well as successfully leading organisational and transformational change. Resilient, politically astute, innovative, and outcome focussed, you’ll also be a collaborative and strategic leader who can work effectively across the system. With a strong financial lens, you’ll have a proven track record of making savings and achieving value for money. You’ll have the drive and creativity needed to shape Children’s Services and be passionate about putting children and young people at the heart of everything you do.

If you possess the skills and experience, we seek, are excited by the unique blend of challenge and opportunity, and share our passion for improving the lives of our children and young people, we would love to hear from you. This is a truly unique opportunity to be part of something special, change lives, and create a positive legacy for North Northamptonshire.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact:

David Weir: 07391 565064 / david.weir@tile-hill.co.uk

Chris Barrow: 07437 839048 / chris.barrow@tile-hill.co.uk

Anita Denton: 07725 554802 / anita.denton@tile-hill.co.uk

To find out more about the role, the place and how to apply, please visit: www.shapingnorthnorthants.co.uk  

Closing date: Friday 28th January 2022

Get job alerts

Create a job alert and receive personalised job recommendations straight to your inbox.

Create alert